The Wildebeest Migration

It’s been raining in the Mara and along the peripheries of the reserve since last week. The grass is getting greener and the streams and marshes are filling up making them difficult to cross without a 4X4.

The wildebeest are still in the Mara, moving in zigzag patterns. It’s raining a lot in northwest of the Mara and hence, attracting the herds of wildebeest – they are moving from the south through Posse and Burrugat Plains. The herd has split into two groups. The big group has gone through Olmisigiyioi, along the Sand River to the Lookout Crossing reaching the burned area in the Triangle bordering the Siria Escarpment.

Other herds are splitting into smaller groups in search of the greener pastures.

The herd that has taken the north route towards Posse and Burrugat are crossing Talek River at numerous crossings to reach Olkiombo Plains and Rhino Ridge down to Paradise Plains. Some are crossing between Fig Tree Camp and Mara Intrepids Camp, and others between Mara Intrepids and Rekero Camp. From Olkiombo Plains to Paradise Crossing, there are herds of wildebeest and zebras. Crossings are still taking place, down by Lookout Hill south of Mara Intrepids Camp and Paradise Crossing, west of Mara Intrepids Camp, all heading to the Mara Triangle for greener pastures.

Many are reluctant to cross Mara River because there is enough water in the natural water holes in the plains for them to drink after grazing on the dry grass.

                                                         

Big Cats

Lions

The Ridge Pride, which consists of 14 members – two males, six females and six cubs of different ages, is the most active pride around Olkiombo and Topi Plains. It is patrolling the area between Double Crossing and Topi Plains.

The Olkiombo Pride is still waiting on the southern side of Talek River between Mara Intrepids Camp and Fig Tree Camp. The three males - Cheza, Sala and Junior are still busy with the lioness from the Maji-ya-Fisi pride.

Leopards

Olive the female leopard and her two male cubs have not been seen for two weeks.

Many the cubs are now independent. Kayoni is west of Olkiombo airstrip and Paja is upstream of Intiakitiak River.

  

Cheetahs

Alama the female cheetah with her two male cubs is between Mara Intrepids Camp and Rekero Camp. The three brothers are at Rhino Ridge killing the young wildebeest and zebras almost every day.

Paul Kirui, Chief Safari Guide and John Parmasau, Safari Guide, Mara EXplorer and Mara Intrepids Camps
(Pictures © Paul Kirui & John Parmasau)

The Greatest Game Show Continues - Masai Mara

The Wildebeest Migration 

The wildebeest are widely spread around the plains of Meta and Burrugat to Keekorok and heading towards the Topi Plains and the Northwest conservancy where it’s raining. The herds from south of Mara Intrepid are crossing the Talek River east of Mara Explorer to the junction of Olare Orok and Intiakitiak Rivers for greener pastures.

The area south of the plains overlooking Serena and Lookout Hill is covered with zebras while the north overlooking Musiara is covered with wildebeest. This is the corridor that the herds initially walked through in search of water. Other herds in the Triangle are heading down south to graze on the fresh grass that is sprouting after the old grass was burnt. 

There are numerous crossings taking place especially. The most frequent ones are during morning hours at the main Paradise Crossing and Shamarta west of Mara Intrepids where the wildebeest cause a stamped as they attempt jumping over the cliffs. Many are fatally injured at this time as they hurtle head on into the water.

The Olkiombo Plains, Rhino Ridge and Paradise Plains are the only areas that still have tall succulent grasses and hence are full of grazers.  

  

 The Big Cats

Lions

The Ridge Pride and the Paradise Pride are having great time hunting every day even when the lions are not hungry. The Paradise Pride killed four zebras at Lugga ya Nyoka (Snake’s lugga). Notch’s sons are residing between Mara Intrepids and Rekero Camp.

Time for a meal. Now, what's on the menu today......?

Wildebeest scamper for their dear lives as a lioness hunts

The Olikombo males - Cheza, Sala and Junior are back after a foray with the Maji-ya Fisi Pride. 

           

Leopards

Olive has for the last five days been way from her two male cubs, Pasha and Kayoni,  spending most of her time west of Mara Intrepids. Pasha is north of the Smelly Crossing and Kayoni is south of it. The Ridge male is mating with Mbili near the Ker & Downey crossing.

 Cheetahs

Alama and her two male cubs are at Double Crossing where she has been for the last one week. The three brothers are between Olare Orok and Intiakitiak rivers.

Paul Kirui, Chief Safari Guide and John Parmasau, Safari Guide, Mara EXplorer and Mara Intrepids Camps
(Pictures © Paul Kirui & John Parmasau)

You can read more on Mara Explorer and Mara Intrepids athttp://www.heritage-eastafrica.com/tented-camps/

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